Humidifier auxiliary drain pan
An auxiliary drain pan for installation vertically below a humidifier. The pan has a base and a peripheral wall around the base and a single opening formed in the base adapted to form an anti-backflow connection with a conduit from the humidifier for directing liquid from the humidifier through the opening and a drainage connector, the anti-backflow connection preventing a reverse flow of liquid from the opening into the humidifier. The pan has a structure for supporting the base and having connecting features for connection with a vertical surface in an installed position, with the base secured in a substantially horizontal position in the installed position.
The present invention is directed to the field of apparatus and methods for liquid overflow protection, and in particular, for apparatus and methods for humidifier liquid overflow protection.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONLiquid collection systems are used, for example, in humidifiers in enclosed spaces. Irrespective the system, liquid, whether in the form of condensation created by or otherwise associated with the operation of such systems must be removed to prevent damage to the enclosed spaces or associated contents. A conventional system includes a primary drain pan, which is typically positioned within the humidifier, and receives all liquid generated during operation of the system. The primary drain pan further includes an opening for directing collected liquid to a drain.
Secondary or auxiliary drain pans are positioned vertically beneath a humidifier for emergency purposes, e.g., catching overflow liquid from the humidifier due to a malfunction of the primary drain pan. Unfortunately, there may be insufficient floor space to accommodate a conventional secondary or auxiliary drain pan, and constructing a separate support frame in such tight quarters can prove to be a difficult undertaking.
Moreover, even when the primary drain pan is functioning properly, a drainage back-up, resulting in reverse flow or backflow of liquid from the drain toward the primary drain pan can occur. Due to plumbing requirements, a connection must be inserted between the opening in the primary drain pan and the drain to prevent the reverse flow or backflow of liquid from the drain from reaching the primary drain pan. As a result, although the reverse flow or backflow of liquid from the drain is prevented from reaching the primary drain pan, such reverse flow may not be prevented from otherwise flowing through the inserted connection and causing damage to the structure or contents within the structure adjacent the inserted connection.
There is a need in the art for a humidifier auxiliary drain pan that addresses these shortcomings.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONAn embodiment is directed to a humidifier auxiliary drain pan for installation vertically below a humidifier including a base and a continuous wall around a periphery of the auxiliary drain pan extending upwardly from the base to form a container having an open end. The drain pan further includes a single opening formed in the base, the opening having a drainage connector extending from the base opposite the wall for connecting with a drainage conduit, the opening adapted to receive a backflow preventer for forming an anti-backflow connection with a humidifier conduit extending from the humidifier for directing liquid from the humidifier through the opening and the drainage connector, the anti-backflow connection preventing a reverse flow of liquid from the drain conduit into the humidifier via the humidifier conduit. The drain pan further includes a structure extending from the base for supporting the base, the structure having connection features for connection with a vertical surface in an installed position, the structure securing the base in a substantially horizontal position in the installed position.
A further embodiment is directed to a method for providing liquid overflow protection for a humidifier system including positioning an auxiliary drain pan vertically below a humidifier, the auxiliary drain pan having a base, a continuous wall around a periphery of the auxiliary drain pan extending upwardly from the base to form a container having an open end and a single opening formed in the base. The method further includes forming a fluid tight connection between the opening and a drainage conduit. The method further includes forming an anti-backflow connection between the opening and a conduit from the humidifier for directing liquid from the humidifier through the opening and into the drainage conduit, the anti-backflow connection preventing a reverse flow of liquid from the drain conduit from reaching the humidifier through the humidifier conduit.
A further embodiment is directed to a humidifier system for providing climate control to a space including a humidifier and an auxiliary drain pan positioned vertically below the humidifier. The auxiliary drain pan includes a base and a continuous wall around a periphery of the auxiliary drain pan extending upwardly from the base to form a container having an open end. The auxiliary drain pan further includes a single opening formed in the base, the opening having a drainage connector extending from the base opposite the wall for connecting with a drainage conduit; the opening adapted to receive a backflow preventer for forming an anti-backflow connection with a humidifier conduit extending from the humidifier for directing liquid from the humidifier through the opening and the drainage connector, the anti-backflow connection preventing a reverse flow of liquid from the drain conduit into the humidifier via the humidifier conduit. The auxiliary drain pan further includes a liquid accumulation protector for removing electrical power to the humidifier when activated as a result of sensing an accumulation of liquid in the auxiliary drain pan. The auxiliary drain pan further includes a structure extending from the base for supporting the base, the structure having connection features for connection with a vertical surface in an installed position, the structure securing the base in a substantially horizontal position in the installed position.
Other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following more detailed description of the preferred embodiment, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention.
The present invention provides a novel auxiliary drain pan having an opening for accommodating liquid flow therethrough from a humidifier to a drain. In case the drain is clogged, the opening also forms an anti-backflow connection preventing a reverse flow or backflow of “waste water” or liquid from the drain into the humidifier. Additionally, the drain pan includes a liquid accumulator protector that, in case of humidifier primary drain pan failure resulting in liquid accumulation in the auxiliary drain pan, activates a power control unit to shut off power to the humidifier. Further, the drain pan includes structure for supporting the drain pan, and providing a convenient means for simplifying the installation of the drain pan. The structure has connection features for connecting or securing the drain pan to a vertical surface or suspending the drain pan from the humidifier, as floor space may not be available in the region surrounding the humidifier. Moreover, even the floor space is available in the region surrounding the humidifier, positioning a conventional drain pan on the floor, which is generally at least 4 feet to 5 feet vertically below the humidifier, results in the drain pan becoming a “splash pad” that is not effective, and subjects the enclosed space and its surroundings to water damage. These features will be discussed in further detail below.
For purposes herein, the terms “humidifier auxiliary drain pan,” “auxiliary drain pan,” “humidifier secondary drain pan,” “secondary drain pan,” “drain pan” and the like may be used interchangeably.
As further shown in
It is to be understood that drainage connector 24 can utilize threads, such as pipe threads, quarter-turn fasteners, barbs, treated surfaces, including protrusions and/or recesses and surfaces adapted to increase the static coefficient of friction, clamps, adhesives, or other features or mechanical components or combination thereof in order to secure a fluid tight connection with the respective drainage conduit 26. In one embodiment, drain pan 10 and drainage connector 24 are of one-piece or unitary construction, such as produced by injection molding. The drain pan can be constructed of any suitable material, such as a plastic, having acceptable material properties, including corrosion resistance, rigidity and material strength.
As further shown in
It is to be understood other embodiments of backflow preventers may be utilized, such as valves or other mechanical devices, including valves controlled by control systems, although a backflow preventer in the form of an air gap fitting has no moving parts and is less expensive than other types of backflow preventers.
As further shown in
In one embodiment, as shown in
In one embodiment, the footprint of the pan, i.e., the lateral surface area of base 16 (
As further shown in
It is to be understood that with the drain pan supported in an installed position, the support structure can extend beneath the base.
For example, as shown in
In one embodiment, as shown in
While the invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.
Claims
1. A humidifier auxiliary drain pan for installation vertically below a humidifier, consisting of:
- a base;
- a continuous wall around a periphery of the auxiliary drain pan extending upwardly from the base to form a container having an open end;
- a single opening formed in the base, the opening having a drainage connector extending from the base opposite the wall for connecting with a drainage conduit; the opening adapted to receive a backflow preventer for forming an anti-backflow connection with a humidifier conduit extending from the humidifier for directing liquid from the humidifier through the opening and the drainage connector, the anti-backflow connection preventing a reverse flow of liquid from the drain conduit into the humidifier via the humidifier conduit; and
- a structure extending from the base for supporting the base, the structure having connection features for connection with a vertical surface in an installed position, the structure securing the base in a substantially horizontal position in the installed position.
2. The auxiliary drain pan of claim 1, wherein the auxiliary drain pan and the drainage connector are of unitary construction.
3. The auxiliary drain pan of claim 1, wherein the structure extends beneath the base in the installed position, the base having a support member.
4. The auxiliary drain pan of claim 3, wherein the support member is a gusset.
5. The auxiliary drain pan of claim 1, wherein the vertical surface is not a surface of the humidifier.
6. The auxiliary drain pan of claim 1 further comprises a liquid accumulation protector for removing electrical power to the humidifier when activated as a result of sensing an accumulation of liquid in the auxiliary drain pan.
7. A method for providing liquid overflow protection for a humidifier system, consisting of:
- positioning an auxiliary drain pan vertically below a humidifier, the auxiliary drain pan having a base, a continuous wall around a periphery of the auxiliary drain pan extending upwardly from the base to form a container having an open end and a single opening formed in the base;
- forming a fluid tight connection between the opening and a drainage conduit; and
- forming an anti-backflow connection between the opening and a conduit from the humidifier for directing liquid from the humidifier through the opening and into the drainage conduit, the anti-backflow connection preventing a reverse flow of liquid from the drain conduit from reaching the humidifier through the humidifier conduit.
8. The method of claim 7, wherein positioning the auxiliary drain pan vertically below the humidifier includes securing the auxiliary drain pan to a vertical surface.
9. The method of claim 7, wherein positioning the auxiliary drain pan includes suspending the auxiliary drain pan from the humidifier.
10. The method of claim 7 further comprises installing a liquid accumulation protector.
11. A humidifier system for providing climate control to a space, consisting of:
- a humidifier;
- an auxiliary drain pan positioned vertically below the humidifier, the auxiliary drain pan comprising:
- a base;
- a continuous wall around a periphery of the auxiliary drain pan extending upwardly from the base to form a container having an open end;
- a single opening formed in the base, the opening having a drainage connector extending from the base opposite the wall for connecting with a drainage conduit; the opening adapted to receive a backflow preventer for forming an anti-backflow connection with a humidifier conduit extending from the humidifier for directing liquid from the humidifier through the opening and the drainage connector, the anti-backflow connection preventing a reverse flow of liquid from the drain conduit into the humidifier via the humidifier conduit;
- a liquid accumulation protector for removing electrical power to the humidifier when activated as a result of sensing an accumulation of liquid in the auxiliary drain pan; and
- a structure extending from the base for supporting the base, the structure having connection features for connection with a vertical surface in an installed position, the structure securing the base in a substantially horizontal position in the installed position.
12. The auxiliary drain pan of claim 11, further comprising a liquid accumulation device which includes a sensor that is adapted to detect accumulation of liquid in the auxiliary drain pan and sends a signal to a power control unit to shut off power when accumulation of liquid in the auxiliary drain pan is detected.
13. The auxiliary drain pan of claim 12, wherein the sensor is located in the base of the auxiliary drain pan.
14. The auxiliary drain pan of claim 11, further comprising a failure indicator to indicate accumulation of liquid in the auxiliary drain pan is beyond a threshold.
15. The auxiliary drain pan of claim 14, wherein the failure indicator is at least one of an illuminating lights or an audible alarm.
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Type: Grant
Filed: Oct 8, 2021
Date of Patent: Jul 4, 2023
Patent Publication Number: 20230114511
Inventor: Alan C. Rimmer (Mechanicsburg, PA)
Primary Examiner: David J Teitelbaum
Assistant Examiner: Devon Moore
Application Number: 17/450,303
International Classification: F24F 13/22 (20060101); F24F 13/32 (20060101); F24F 11/88 (20180101);